Cody Gakpo 'Should Be Banned' as Liverpool Star Ripped Apart and Accused of 'Cheating'

In a heated controversy during Liverpool's Premier League draw with Burnley at Anfield, forward Cody Gakpo has been accused of simulation after winning a penalty in the 32nd minute. Referee Andy Madley pointed to the spot when Gakpo went down under a challenge from Burnley's Florentino Luis, but critics argue there was minimal contact, branding it a dive.[1][3]

The incident occurred as Liverpool dominated early, with Gakpo receiving the ball from Curtis Jones on the left side of the penalty area. He shifted onto his right foot and fell after minimal touch from Luis. Replays showed Gakpo initiating contact, yet VAR reviewed and upheld the decision. Dominik Szoboszlai's subsequent spot-kick struck the crossbar, allowing Burnley to feel justice was served in their vital point for relegation survival.[1][3]

Former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett led the backlash, exclusively telling Football Insider it was a "wrong call" by officials. He fumed: "What a poor penalty decision... I struggle to see any offence," and escalated by calling Gakpo a "cheat" who "tricked the referee." Hackett demanded the FA introduce a suspension review panel for simulation, stating: "This is a dive, and not a very good one. No way is this a penalty."[1][3]

Hackett questioned referee Madley and VAR's oversight, urging retrospective punishment to deter such acts. Fans and experts online echoed the outrage, with many viewing Szoboszlai's miss as poetic justice despite Liverpool's eventual lead.[3][4]

This isn't Gakpo's first scrutiny; a similar penalty against Bournemouth stood after VAR review, highlighting ongoing VAR debates in the Premier League.[2] The row underscores tensions over officiating, simulation, and fairness as Liverpool chase the top three.[1]